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Potentiating interactions between morphogenetic protein and neurotrophic factors in developing neurons
H Bengtsson1, S Söderström, A Kylberg
1Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Sweden. henrik.bengtsson@mun.uu.se
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|September 3, 1998
Summary
Bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR-II) is present in developing neurons. Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) combined with neurotrophins significantly enhances neuronal survival and nerve fiber growth.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR-II) mRNA is expressed in chicken embryo neurons.
- BMPR-II expression partially overlaps with Trk and Ret tyrosine kinase receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological activities of osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), a BMPR-II ligand, on neuronal development.
- To explore the interaction between BMPR-II signaling and neurotrophic factors.
Main Methods:
- Mapping BMPR-II mRNA expression in embryonic chicken peripheral ganglia and spinal cord.
- Testing OP-1 biological activity on explanted ganglia and dissociated neurons.
- Assessing neuronal survival and nerve fiber outgrowth under various treatment conditions.
Main Results:
- OP-1 alone had a limited effect on neuronal survival.
- OP-1 combined with neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) or glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) potentiated neuronal survival threefold to fourfold.
- OP-1 significantly enhanced nerve fiber outgrowth stimulated by NT-3 or GDNF.
Conclusions:
- BMPR-II signaling in neurons may potentiate tyrosine kinase pathways activated by NT-3 and GDNF.
- Morphogenetic proteins can modulate neurotrophic activities during neuronal development and plasticity.